Farrelly Promt #12

 One major take-away from this course was recognizing how deeply interconnected African American sacred music is with broader American musical traditions. I didn’t fully realize before how spirituals, hymns, blues, gospel, and even modern genres like R&B and hip-hop all share common roots and continually influence one another. Seeing how these styles evolve, borrow from each other, and still carry powerful messages about faith, struggle, and community was one of the most meaning

ful lessons for me.

My favorite musical discovery was learning about [insert the artist you want — I’ll draft one; you can choose] Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Her blend of gospel intensity, electric guitar, and early rock-and-roll energy completely surprised me. I hadn’t realized how foundational she was to later genres or how boldly she pushed musical boundaries while staying grounded in her faith. Her performances feel joyful, electric, and sincere all at once.